We use pine straw as a ground cover under our forest. It seems to do a fair job of retarding weeds. Not a complete job though as I do have to go after them about twice a month.
Rex
Tom:
We have nothing close to eucalyptus up in Chili, NY (suburb of Rochester, NY). Thanks for the input.
John
Thanks Dennis, that's one that might work.
Don’t know if this will help in your case. Where I live we have a green waste program. Pay to have it hauled away, then pick up the processed waste, in the form of mulch or compost. I pick up the eucalyptus mulch. The oils in eucalyptus retard small plant growth and prevent (or should I say “retard”) new growth. Check to see if eucalyptus mulch is available in your area. Nicest part of this deal, since we pay to have it hauled off, it is free when we pick it up, just check in and start shoveling. OK, I pay the bucket loader guy $2 to fill my truck.
Tom Trigg
If you want a quick and easy ground cover, use Yellow Acre Sedum. It grows in any soil or sun/shade condition. It is also easily removed.
Eric:
Thanks for the input. I have a few trees started, but no were near enough to keep the weeds and grass short. I looked over the ground today, in our 92 degree weather and thought there will be cooler days soon to work on it. To dream.
Thank You,
My layout is a special case being very shaded, so I may not be the best expert on your situation.
Certainly stone or wood chips keep weeds in check, though they do tend to come up through eventually.
I would look into ground cover plantings.., dress it up!
Small trees (dwarf Alberta Spruce etc) will also shade areas and help you keep the weeds at bay. you will need to trim them once or twice a year once they get established, but that is part of the fun!
Winnegance and Quebec Railway
Eric Schade Gen'l Manager
Dave:
I have thought about what you have written. I guess I'm not ready to do that yet. As for the final statement, it is still good that your wife loves you!
Peace Brother,
Try going up, That is eveavating your RR, I did not have much of a weed/grass/plant problem. But do to my age I am raising my rr now so that next year I will be able to watch trains run at or near table hight.
Dave
The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.
The forum is new to me. I started a garden railway two years ago in upstate New York, with the intention of spring, summer, and fall use. I dug a trench approximately 8x8, laid black weed barrier, filled it with crusher fines, and laid the track on top. That has been OK. I thought I could keep pace with grass and white clover as a base for ground scenery, but that has proven my thoughts wrong. I have too much to keep trimming every week, or more often, but I do not want to spray any chemicals down to hasten growth. I have a piece of plastic tarp that is big enough to cover the area, but I'm not sure that I could go for the sterile look,E.I., stone or wood chips. Does anyone have any thoughts and or solutions with this experience?
Thanks,
John Jenkins
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